GK Question

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Article 243-I provides that State Finance Commission shall consist of a Chairperson and ______ other members with qualifications as determined by State Legislature, typically including expertise in public finance, administration, law.

  1. two
  2. three
  3. four
  4. five

Answer: four

State Finance Commission composition: (a) Article 243-I (73rd Amendment), 243-Y (74th Amendment): State Finance Commission (SFC) consists of Chairperson and four other members, (b) Qualifications: Determined by State Legislature, typically include: (i) Expertise in public finance, economics, (ii) Experience in administration, governance, (iii) Knowledge of law, local governance, (iv) Understanding of rural/urban development issues, (c) Appointment: Members appointed by Governor based on State government recommendation, often through selection committee for transparency, (d) Functions: (i) Review financial position of Panchayats/Municipalities, (ii) Recommend principles for tax devolution, grants-in-aid, (iii) Suggest measures to improve local body financial management, (e) Applications: (i) Expertise utilization: SFC members' expertise informs recommendations on fiscal devolution, local body capacity, (ii) Independence: Fixed tenure, removal safeguards protect SFC independence from State executive, (iii) Accountability: SFC reports submitted to Governor, laid before State Legislature; PAC examines implementation, (f) Illustrates institutional design: Multi-member composition with diverse expertise ensures comprehensive, informed recommendations for local body finances; independence safeguards protect objectivity in fiscal federalism.

Topic Article 243-I - State Finance Commission Composition
Exam Relevance State Finance Commission composition frequently asked in UPSC and State PSC exams